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Understand Cholesterol Testing

September is National Cholesterol Education Month. Learn more about cholesterol and other lipids, and when testing may be appropriate.

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In-depth Feature Articles

To learn more about laboratory medicine in general and gain a greater understanding of how laboratory testing can impact your health care, read the following in-depth articles. These patient resources are intended to help you navigate the testing process, provide context for the lab tests you may need or have already completed, and give you a better understanding of your test results.

Biotin Affects Some Blood Test Results

Did You Know? Excess biotin in the blood from supplements can cause some, but not all, lab test results to be either falsely increased or falsely decreased, causing healthcare practitioners to misdiagnose and mistreat their patients. Find out what supplements contain biotin, about common tests affected by biotin and how health care professionals can prepare you for testing […]

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The World of Forensic Laboratory Testing

Forensic testing is the gathering of data for analysis and for use in legal proceedings, depending on the laws of particular jurisdictions. Learn how forensic testing differs from clinical laboratory testing, including the special training required for lab personnel and unique procedures employed.

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Tips on Blood Testing

Many routine diagnostic tests require a blood sample. Common as it is, this brief procedure is the thing that causes the greatest apprehension among people getting lab tests performed. This article contains tips on making your blood tests more comfortable and less stressful.

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Tips to Help the Elderly through Their Medical Tests

What seems like a simple medical test to the average adult can be significantly more challenging to an elderly person. This articles offers some suggestions for helping elderly patients through some of the practical matters of collecting a test sample.

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Follow that Throat Culture: A Short Lab Tour

Find out what happens to your throat swab as you follow the steps of a throat culture in a laboratory.

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Patient Blood Management

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is used by clinicians to optimize a patient’s current medical condition to ensure successful recovery. Its main focus is on preventing anemia and/or blood loss, but it also involves investigating and treating anemia when present.

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Ask a Laboratory Scientist

Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

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